tp15.1501.final.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

Building Capacity of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Systems in the Pacific Islands through the Pacific Island Health Officers Association

CDC-RFA-TP15-1501

Application Due Date: 08/29/2015

Building Capacity of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Systems in the Pacific Islands through the Pacific Island Health Officers Association

CDC-RFA-TP15-1501

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Overview Information

Federal Agency NameA.

Funding Opportunity TitleB.

Announcement TypeC.

Agency Funding Opportunity NumberD.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) NumberE.

Dates F.

Executive Summary G.

Part II. Full Text

Funding Opportunity Description A.

Award Information B.

Eligibility Information C.

Required Registrations D.

Review and Selection Process E.

Award Administration Information F.

Agency Contacts G.

Other Information H.

Glossary I.

Part I. Overview Information Applicants must go to the synopsis page of this announcement at www.grants.gov and click on the "Send Me Change Notifications Emails" link to ensure they receive notifications of any changes to CDC-RFA-TP15-1501. Applicants also must provide an e-mail address to www.grants.gov to receive notifications of changes.

A. Federal Agency Name:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) B. Funding Opportunity Title:

Building Capacity of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Systems in the Pacific Islands through the Pacific Island Health Officers Association C. Announcement Type: New - Type 1 This announcement is only for non-research domestic activities supported by CDC. If research is proposed, the application will not be considered Research for this purpose is defined at http://www.cdc. gov/od/ science / integrity/ docs/cdc- policy- distinguishing- public- health- research- nonresearch. pdf.

D. Agency Funding Opportunity Number:

CDC-RFA-TP15-1501

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

93.069 F. Dates:

1. Due Date for Letter of Intent (LOI): N/A

2. Due Date for Applications: 08/29/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard

Time, at www.grants.gov.

3. Date for Informational Conference Call: N/A

G. Executive Summary:

1. Summary Paragraph:

a. Eligible Applicants: Single

b. FOA Type: Cooperative Agreement

c. Approximate Number of Awards: 1

d. Total Project Period Funding: $250,000

e. Average One Year Award Amount: $50,000

f. Number of Years of Award: 5

g. Estimated Award Date: 09/15/2015

h. Cost Sharing and / or Matching Requirements: N Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this FOA exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability is strongly encouraged.

Part II. Full Text A. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Background https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/www.grants.gov http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/integrity/docs/cdc-policy-distinguishing-public-health-research-nonresearch.pdf http://www.grants.gov

1. Background

a. Overview

Public health laboratories play an indispensable role in protecting Americans and people in other countries from new, emerging, and existing health threats by conducting laboratory testing and providing other science-based services. Public health professionals and policy makers use actionable information from public health laboratories daily to identify and prioritize these population health threats and to develop and implement effective interventions. In order to continue their critical public health mission, public health laboratories must be sustainable and capable of detecting myriad threats across a broad and expanding spectrum of health domains, including infectious and chronic disease, chemical and radiological exposure, birth defects, and others.

However, public health laboratories face serious challenges in developing the capabilities to perform their role. These challenges include the rapid emergence of new disease threats, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers, restructuring of the nation’s healthcare system, the accelerating evolution in testing and information, and ensuring safe laboratory practices with existing and new technologies. Public health laboratories often face persistent fiscal problems, mandated workforce reductions, and other problems that threaten their development of needed capabilities to address public health issues and, in some cases, their ability to perform important testing services. Public health laboratories need to address these ongoing challenges to effectively serve as partners integrated into the larger, national public health system and to contribute to achievement of Healthy People 2020 goals and those of additional U.S. health strategies.

This 5-year cooperative agreement will award funds to improve the effectiveness, capabilities, and sustainability of public health laboratories, individually as well as components of a regional public health laboratory system specifically within the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). The FOA aims to improve public health laboratory infrastructure, develop a well-trained and maintained public health laboratory workforce, and strengthen the regional public health laboratory systems in order to promote quality and safe laboratory practices throughout the entire health system as it pertains to public health in the USAPI region. Activities will generate specific short, medium, and long-term outcomes.

b. Statutory Authorities

This cooperative agreement is authorized by section 317(k)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 247b(k)(2)).

c. Healthy People 2020

The achievement of many Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives hinges critically on the effectiveness, capabilities, and sustainability of state and local public health laboratories (PHLs) in the United States. The Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives that support this FOA are:

• Preparedness

• Public Health Infrastructure

• Environmental Health

• Food Safety

• Global Health

• Health Communication and Health Information Technology

• Healthcare-Associated Infections

• Immunization and Infectious Diseases

• Occupational Safety and Health

• Respiratory Diseases

Additional Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives may be addressed as implementation of this cooperative agreement proceeds. The healthy people website is accessible at www.healthypeople.gov.

d. Other National Public Health Priorities and Strategies

This cooperative agreement aligns with, and supports, other relevant national strategies including the:

Global Health Security Agenda

U.S. National Prevention Strategy

HHS Strategic Plan, 2014-2018

CDC Winnable Battles

CDC Surveillance Strategy

e. Relevant Work

This cooperative agreement builds on the body of knowledge developed through previously funded FOAs that enhanced the work and capabilities of public health preparedness in the United States and abroad.

2. CDC Project Description

a. Approach

CDC-RFA- TP15-1501 Logic Model: Building Capacity of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Systems in the Pacific Islands through the Pacific Island Health Officers Association

Strategies and Activities Short-Term Outcomes Long-Term Outcomes

Building and enhancing a regional public health surveillance network

Working with the CDC CEFO to provide technical assistance for epidemiological surveillance capacity building in the USAPI region.

Improving laboratory testing capability through local exercises and MCM Operational Readiness Reviews.

Improving workforce development

Identify training needs and provide training opportunities for public health laboratory staff and executive leadership

Providing opportunities for epidemiology and laboratory testing courses

Development of best practices and performance and safety standards for USAPI region.

Establishment of regionalized policy committee to support capability-based planning efforts.

A trained, and practice-ready public health laboratory workforce

Increased number of USAPI public health staff that have formal qualifications in epidemiological investigation and public health lab testing

Increased Biosurveillance Capacity through development of both the Public Health Laboratory Testing and the Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation Capabilities.

Increased Information sharing Capability through having strategies in place to alert all islands of potential threats.

A more competent and collaborative public health preparedness workforce for the region.

i. Purpose

The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to increase Public Health Preparedness Capabilities in the U.S.

Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) through collaborative work with the Pacific Island Health Officers Association (PIHOA). This Cooperative Agreement will provide opportunities for USAPI collaboration in workforce development as well as the building of the Public Health Laboratory Testing, Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation, and Information Sharing Capabilities as part of Public Health Emergency Preparedness.

ii. Outcomes

There are three expected outcomes as part of this FOA:

Increased Biosurveillance capacity in the USAPI region through further development of both the Public Health Laboratory Testing and Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation Capabilities.

Increased regional Information Sharing Capabilities through developed strategies in place to alert all islands of potential threats.

A more competent and collaborative public health preparedness workforce within the region.

iii. Strategies and Activities

Strategy:

Building and enhancing a regional public health surveillance network

Activities:

Collaborate with the assigned CDC Career Epidemiology Field Officer (CEFO) to provide techincal assistance for epidemiolgical surveillance capacity building in the USAPI region.

Improving laboratory testing capability through local excercises and MCM Operational Readiness Reviews.

Strategy:

Improving workforce development

Activities:

Identify training needs and provide training opportunities for public health laboratory staff and executive leadership.

Providing opportunities for epidemiology and laboratory testing courses and certifications.

1.Collaborations

The awardee should continue to collaborate with national and international organizations with which they already have an existing relationship in order to reduce duplication of public health preparedness activities in the region.

a. With CDC-funded programs:

The applicant is expected to work with the assigned CDC Career Epidemiological Field Officer that is placed in the USPI region.

b. With organizations external to CDC:

It is highly encouraged that the awardee continue to work with external partners that have similar public health preparedness work experience, including but limited to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

2. Target Populations

The target population for which the awardee's work will have the greatest impact is the residents of the U.S.

Affiliated Pacific Islands and Freely Associated Territories.

a. Inclusion

iv. Funding Strategy (for multi-component FOAs only)

N/A

b. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

i. CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy

At a minimum, :

Awardee must report on process and progress. It is not necessary to provide measures for every strategy or activity, but the measures presented should clearly link back to them.

Awardee should describe proposed outcome measures for the project period outcomes presented earlier in the Approach and logic model. While there need not be measures for every outcome, the measures presented should clearly link back to them.

In addition to proposed performance measures, awardee should also describe any evaluation activities that CDC will conduct with the grantees or that the grantee will be expected to conduct—such as special evaluation studies. In these cases, describe key evaluation questions to be answered and potential data sources.

Progress towards performance measures must be reported annually.

ii. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan

c. Organizational Capacity of Awardees to Execute the Approach

d. Work Plan

Project Period Outcome:

Increased Biosurveillance Capacity through development of both the Public Health Laboratory Testing and the Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation Capabilities.

Outcome Measure:

Development of a robust regional public health surveillance network.

Strategies/Activities Process Measure Responsible Position/Party

Completion Date

Working with the CDC CEFO to provide technical assistance for epidemiological surveillance capacity building in the USAPI region.

The development of best practices and performance and safety standards for USAPI region.

Pacific Island Health Officers Association

September 14, 2017

Improving laboratory testing capability through participation in local exercises and MCM Operational Readiness Reviews.

Establishment of regionalized policy committee to support capability-based planning efforts.

Pacific Island Health Officers Association

September 14, 2020

Project Period Outcome:

A more competent and collaborative public health preparedness workforce for the region.

Outcome Measure:

Number of improved workforce development activities.

Strategies/Activities Process Measure Responsible Position/Party

Completion Date

Identify training needs and provide training opportunities for public health laboratory staff and executive leadership

Increase in trained, and practice-ready public health laboratory workforce

Pacific Island Health Officers Association

September 14, 2017

Providing opportunities for epidemiology and laboratory testing courses

Increased number of USAPI public health staff that have formal qualifications in epidemiological investigation and public health lab testing

Pacific Island Health Officers Association

September 14, 2020

e. CDC Monitoring and Accountability Approach Monitoring activities include routine and ongoing communication between CDC and awardees, site visits, and awardee reporting (including work plans, performance, and financial reporting). Consistent with applicable grants regulations and policies, CDC expects the following to be included in post-award monitoring for grants and cooperative agreements:

Tracking awardee progress in achieving the desired outcomes.

Ensuring the adequacy of awardee systems that underlie and generate data reports.

Creating an environment that fosters integrity in program performance and results.

Monitoring may also include the following activities:

Ensuring that work plans are feasible based on the budget and consistent with the intent of the award.

Ensuring that awardees are performing at a sufficient level to achieve outcomes within stated timeframes.

Working with awardees on adjusting the work plan based on achievement of outcomes, evaluation results and changing budgets.

Monitoring performance measures (both programmatic and financial) to assure satisfactory performance levels.

Other activities deemed necessary to monitor the award, if applicable.

These activities may include monitoring and reporting activities that assist grants management staff (e.g., grants management officers and specialists, and project officers) in the identification, notification, and management of high-risk grantees.

Other monitoring activities include:Cd3

Conducting monthly conference calls to monitor progress towards workplan activities Provide ongoing guidance, programmatic support, and training as it relates to the activities outlined in this funding announcement guidance document.

Coordinate planning and implementation activities with federal partners as necessary

f. CDC Program Support to Awardees (THIS SECTION APPLIES ONLY TO COOPERATIVE

AGREEMENTS)

B. Award Information

1. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement CDC's substantial involvement in this program appears in the

CDC Program Support to Awardees Section.

2. Award Mechanism:

3. Fiscal Year: 2015 Estimated Total Funding: $50,000

4. Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding: $50,000

5. Approximate Project Period Funding: $250,000

6. Total Project Period Length: 5 year(s)

7. Expected Number of Awards: 1

8. Approximate Average Award: $50,000 Per Budget Period

9. Award Ceiling: $50,000 Per Budget Period

10. Award Floor: $50,000 Per Budget Period

11. Estimated Award Date: 09/15/2015 Throughout the project period, CDC will continue the award based on the availability of funds, the evidence of satisfactory progress by the awardee (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the federal government. The total number of years for which federal support has been approved (project period) will be shown in the “Notice of Award.” This information does not constitute a commitment by the federal government to fund the entire period. The total project period comprises the initial competitive segment and any subsequent non-competitive continuation award(s).

12. Budget Period Length: 60 month(s)

13. Direct Assistance Direct Assistance (DA) is not available through this FOA.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility Category: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

2. Additional Information on Eligibility Eligibility is limited to the Pacific Island Health Officers Association due to their unique relationship with

Eligibility is limited to the Pacific Island Health Officers Association due to their unique relationship with the collective interests of the Ministers, Secretaries, and Directors of Health of the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) and Freely Associated Territories.

The award ceiling for this FOA is $50,000. CDC will consider any application requesting an award higher than this amount as non- responsive and it will receive no further review. If a pre-application is required, then specify here and include it in the special eligibility requirements section. (http:// www.hhs.gov/ asfr/ ogapa/ aboutog/ hhsgps107.pdf)

3. Justification for Less than Maximum Competition

4. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

No

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this program. Although no statutory matching requirement for this FOA exists, leveraging other resources and related ongoing efforts to promote sustainability is strongly encouraged.

5. Maintenance of Effort

Maintenance of effort is not required for this program.

D. Required Registrations

Additional materials that may be helpful to applicants: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/Financial ReferenceGuide.pdf.

1. Required Registrations An organization must be registered at the three following locations before it can submit an application for funding at www.grants.gov.

a. Data Universal Numbering System: All applicant organizations must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It will be used as the Universal Identifier when applying for federal awards or cooperative agreements.

The applicant organization may request a DUNS number by telephone at 1-866-705-5711 (toll free) or Internet at http:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do. The DUNS number will be provided at no charge.If funds are awarded to an applicant organization that includes sub-awardees, those sub-awardees must provide their DUNS numbers before accepting any funds.

b. System for Award Management (SAM): The SAM is the primary registrant database for the federal government and the repository into which an entity must submit information required to conduct business as an awardee. All applicant organizations must register with SAM, and will be assigned a SAM number. All information relevant to the SAM number must be current at all times during which the applicant has an application under consideration for funding by CDC. If an award is made, the SAM information must be maintained until a final financial report is submitted or the final payment is received, whichever is later. The SAM registration process usually requires not more than five business days, and registration must be renewed annually. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at www.SAM.gov.

c. Grants.gov: The first step in submitting an application online is registering your organization through www.grants.gov, the official HHS E-grant website. Registration information is located at the "Get Registered" option at www.grants.gov.

All applicant organizations must register with www.grants.gov. The one-time registration process http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/FinancialReferenceGuide.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/docs/FinancialReferenceGuide.pdf http://www.grants.gov http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do https://www.SAM.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov

All applicant organizations must register with www.grants.gov. The one-time registration process usually takes not more than five days to complete. Applicants must start the registration process as early as possible.

2. Request Application Package Applicants may access the application package at www.grants.gov.

3. Application Package Applicants must download the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, package associated with this funding opportunity at www.grants.gov. If Internet access is not available, or if the online forms cannot be accessed, applicants may call the CDC PGO staff at 770-488-2700 or e-mail PGO PGOTIM@cdc.gov for assistance. Persons with hearing loss may access CDC telecommunications at TTY 1-888-232-6348.

4. Submission Dates and Times If the application is not submitted by the deadline published in the FOA, it will not be processed. PGO personnel will notify the applicant that their application did not meet the deadline. The applicant must receive pre-approval to submit a paper application (see Other Submission Requirements section for additional details). If the applicant is authorized to submit a paper application, it must be received by the deadline provided by PGO.

a. Letter of Intent Deadline (must be emailed or postmarked by) N/A

b. Application Deadline Due Date for Applications: 08/29/2015, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time, at www.grants.gov. If Grants.gov is inoperable and cannot receive applications, and circumstances preclude advance notification of an extension, then applications must be submitted by the first business day on which grants.gov operations resume.

5. CDC Assurances and Certifications All applicants are required to sign and submit “Assurances and Certifications” documents indicated at http://www.cdc.gov/grants/interestedinapplying/applicationprocess.html.

Complete the applicable assurances and certifications on an annual basis, name the file “Assurances and Certifications” and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov Complete the applicable assurances and certifications and submit them directly to CDC on an annual basis at http://wwwn.cdc. gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/ Homepage.aspx

Assurances and certifications submitted directly to CDC will be kept on file for one year and will apply to all applications submitted to CDC by the applicant within one year of the submission date.

6. Content and Form of Application Submission Applicants are required to include all of the following documents with their application package at www.grants.gov.

7. Letter of Intent

LOI is not requested or required as part of the application for this FOA.

8. Table of Contents (No page limit and not included in Project Narrative limit): The applicant must provide, as a separate attachment, the “Table of Contents” for the entire submission package.

Provide a detailed table of contents for the entire submission package that includes all of the documents in the application and headings in the "Project Narrative" section. Name the file "Table of Contents" and upload it as a PDF file under "Other Attachment Forms" at www.grants.gov.

http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov https://foa.grantsolutions.gov/announcementmodule/PGOTIM@cdc.gov%20 http://www.grants.gov http://www.cdc.gov/grants/interestedinapplying/applicationprocess.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://wwwn.cdc.gov/grantassurances/(S(mj444mxct51lnrv1hljjjmaa))/Homepage.aspx

9. Project Abstract Summary (Maximum 1 page)

A project abstract is included on the mandatory documents list and must be submitted at www.grants.gov.

The project abstract must be a self-contained, brief summary of the proposed project including the purpose and outcomes. This summary must not include any proprietary or confidential information. Applicants must enter the summary in the "Project Abstract Summary" text box at www.grants.gov.

10. Project Narrative (Maximum of 20 pages, single spaced, Calibri 12 point, 1-inch margins, number all pages. Content beyond 20 pages will not be considered. The 20 page limit includes the work plan. For a multi-component FOA, maximum page limit is 25.)

The Project Narrative must include all of the bolded headings shown in this section. The Project Narrative must be succinct, self-explanatory, and in the order outlined in this section. It must address outcomes and activities to be conducted over the entire project period as identified in the CDC Project Description section. Applicants must submit a Project Narrative with the application forms. Applicants must name this file “Project Narrative” and upload it at www.grants.gov.

a. Background Applicants must provide a description of relevant background information that includes the context of the problem (See CDC Background).

b. Approach

i. Purpose Applicants must describe in 2-3 sentences specifically how their application will address the problem as described in the CDC Background section.

ii. Outcomes Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes they expect to achieve by the end of the project period.

Outcomes are the results that the program intends to achieve. All outcomes must indicate the intended direction of change (e.g., increase, decrease, maintain). (See the logic model in the Approach section of the CDC Project Description.)

iii. Strategies and Activities Applicants must provide a clear and concise description of the strategies and activities they will use to achieve the project period outcomes. Applicants must select existing evidence-based strategies that meet their needs, or describe in the Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan, how these strategies will be evaluated over the course of the project period. (See CDC Project Description: Strategies and Activities section.)

1. Collaborations Applicants must describe how they will collaborate with programs and organizations either internal or external to CDC.

2. Target Populations Applicants must describe the specific target population(s) in their jurisdiction and explain how such a target will achieve the goals of the award and/or alleviate health disparities. Refer back to the CDC Project Description section – Approach: Target Population.

c. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov

c. Applicant Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan Applicants must provide an overall evaluation and performance measurement plan that is consistent with the CDC Evaluation and Performance Measurement Strategy section of the CDC Project Description of this FOA. Data collected must be used for ongoing monitoring of the award to evaluate its effectiveness, and for continuous program improvement.

The plan must:

Affirm the ability to collect the performance measures and respond to the evaluation questions specified in the CDC strategy. (For guidance regarding the Paperwork Reduction Act, please visit http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/collection/infocollectfaq.html) Describe how key program partners will participate in the evaluation and performance measurement planning processes.

Describe how evaluation findings will be used for continuous program quality improvement.

Where the applicant chooses to, or is expected to, take on specific evaluation studies:

Describe the type of evaluation(s) (i.e., process, outcome, or both) to be conducted.

Describe key evaluation questions to be addressed by these evaluations.

Describe other information relevant to the evaluation (e.g., measures, data sources)

Awardees will be required to submit a more detailed evaluation and performance measurement plan within the first 6 months of the project, as outlined in the reporting section of the FOA.

d. Organizational Capacity of Applicants to Implement the Approach Applicant must address the organizational capacity requirements as described in the CDC Project Description.

11. Work Plan (Included in the Project Narrative’s 20 page limit)

Applicants must prepare a work plan consistent with the CDC Project Description Work Plan section. The work plan integrates and delineates more specifically how the awardee plans to carry out achieving the project period outcomes, strategies and activities, evaluation and performance measurement.

Applicants must name this file "Work Plan" and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov.

Applicant must address the organizational capacity requirements as described in the CDC Project Description.

12. Budget Narrative Applicants must submit an itemized budget narrative, which may be scored as part of the Organizational Capacity of Awardees to Execute the Approach. When developing the budget narrative, applicants must consider whether the proposed budget is reasonable and consistent with the purpose, outcomes, and program strategy outlined in the project narrative. The budget must include:

Salaries and wages Fringe benefits Consultant costs Equipment Supplies Travel Other categories Contractual costs Total Direct costs Total Indirect costs http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/collection/infocollectfaq.html

Indirect costs will not be reimbursed under grants to foreign organizations, international organizations, and foreign components of grants to domestic organizations (does not affect indirect cost reimbursement to the domestic entity for domestic activities). The CDC will not reimburse indirect costs unless the recipient has an indirect cost rate covering the applicable activities and period.

For guidance on completing a detailed budget, see Budget Preparation Guidelines at:http://www.cdc.gov/grants/interestedinapplying/applicationresources.html .

If applicable and consistent with the cited statutory authority for this announcement, applicant entities may use funds for activities as they relate to the intent of this FOA to meet national standards or seek health department accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (see: http://www.phaboard.org).

Applicant entities to whom this provision applies include state, local, territorial governments (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau), or their bona fide agents, political subdivisions of states (in consultation with states), federally recognized or state-recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribal governments, and American Indian or Alaska Native tribally designated organizations. Activities include those that enable a public health organization to deliver public health services such as activities that ensure a capable and qualified workforce, up-to-date information systems, and the capability to assess and respond to public health needs. Use of these funds must focus on achieving a minimum of one national standard that supports the intent of the FOA. Proposed activities must be included in the budget narrative and must indicate which standards will be addressed.

Applicants must name this file “Budget Narrative” and upload it as a PDF file at www.grants.gov. If requesting indirect costs in the budget, a copy of the indirect cost-rate agreement is required. If the indirect costs are requested, include a copy of the current negotiated federal indirect cost rate agreement or a cost allocation plan approval letter for those Grantees under such a plan. Applicants must name this file “Indirect Cost Rate” and upload it at www.grants.gov.

Applicants must provide an overall budget for the project period not to exceed $250,000, and an individual budget for each year not to exceed $50,000 as a separate attachment at www.grants.gov.

13. Tobacco and Nutrition Policies Awardees are encouraged to implement tobacco and nutrition policies.

Unless otherwise explicitly permitted under the terms of a specific CDC award, no funds associated with this FOA may be used to implement the optional policies, and no applicants will be evaluated or scored on whether they choose to implement these optional policies.

CDC supports implementing evidence-based programs and policies to reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to promote healthy nutrition. CDC encourages all awardees to implement the following optional recommended evidence-based tobacco and nutrition policies within their own organizations. The tobacco policies build upon the current federal commitment to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, specifically The Pro-Children Act, 20 U.S.C. 7181-7184, that prohibits smoking in certain facilities that receive federal funds in which education, library, day care, health care,or early childhood development services are provided to children.

Tobacco Policies:

Tobacco-free indoors: Use of any tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) or electronic cigarettes is not allowed in any indoor facilities under the control of the awardee.

1.

Tobacco-free indoors and in adjacent outdoor areas: Use of any tobacco products or electronic2.

http://www.cdc.gov/grants/interestedinapplying/applicationresources.html http://www.phaboard.org http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/

Tobacco-free indoors and in adjacent outdoor areas: Use of any tobacco products or electronic cigarettes is not allowed in any indoor facilities, within 50 feet of doorways and air intake ducts, and in courtyards under the control of the awardee.

2.

Tobacco-free campus: Use of any tobacco products or electronic cigarettes is not allowed in any indoor facilities or anywhere on grounds or in outdoor space under the control of the awardee.

3.

Nutrition Policies:

Healthy food-service guidelines must, at a minimum, align with HHS and General Services Administration Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations.

These guidelines apply to cafeterias, snack bars, and vending machines in any facility under the control of the awardee and in accordance with contractual obligations for these services (see: http://www.gsa.gov/ graphics/pbs/Guidelines_for_ Federal_ Concessions_and_Vending _ Operations.pdf).

1.

Resources that provide guidance for healthy eating and tobacco-free workplaces are:2.

http://www.cdc.gov/ nccdphp/dnpao/hwi/ toolkits/ tobacco/index.htm http://www. thecommunityguide.org/ tobacco/index.html http:// www.cdc.gov /obesity /strategies /food-serv-guide.html

14. Health Insurance Marketplaces A healthier country is one in which Americans are able to access the care they need to prevent the onset of disease and manage disease when it is present. The Affordable Care Act, the health care law of 2010, creates new Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as Exchanges, to offer millions of Americans affordable health insurance coverage. In addition, the law helps make prevention affordable and accessible for Americans by requiring health plans to cover certain recommended preventive services without cost sharing.

Outreach efforts will help families and communities understand these new options and provide eligible individuals the assistance they need to secure and retain coverage as smoothly as possible. For more information on the Marketplaces and the health care law, visit: www.HealthCare.gov.

15. Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

16. Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protections Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protections: All applicants will be subject to a term and condition that applies the terms of 48 CFR section 3.908 to the award and requires that grantees inform their employees in writing (in the predominant native language of the workforce) of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712.

17. Funding Restrictions Restrictions that must be considered while planning the programs and writing the budget are:

Awardees may not use funds for research.

Awardees may not use funds for clinical care.

Awardees may use funds only for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services.

Generally, awardees may not use funds to purchase furniture or equipment. Any such proposed spending must be clearly identified in the budget.

Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.

Other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, no funds may be used for:

publicity or propaganda purposes, for the preparation, distribution, or use of any material designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before any legislative body the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/Guidelines_for_Federal_Concessions_and_Vending_Operations.pdf http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/Guidelines_for_Federal_Concessions_and_Vending_Operations.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/hwi/toolkits/tobacco/index.htm http://www.thecommunityguide.org/tobacco/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/food-serv-guide.html http://www.HealthCare.gov related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before any legislative body

See http:// www.cdc.gov /grants /additional requirements /index.htm l#ar12 for detailed guidance on this prohibition and http://www. cdc.gov/ grants /documents/Anti- Lobbying _Restrictions_ for_CDC_ Grantees_July _2012.pdf

The direct and primary recipient in a cooperative agreement program must perform a substantial role in carrying out project outcomes and not merely serve as a conduit for an award to another party or provider who is ineligible.

Awardees may not use funds to purchase vehicles.

Awardees may not use funds to purchase real estate.

18. Other Submission Requirements

a. Electronic Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov. The application package can be downloaded at www.grants.gov. Applicants can complete the application package off-line and submit the application by uploading it at www.grants.gov. All application attachments must be submitted using a PDF file format. Directions for creating PDF files can be found at www.grants.gov. File formats other than PDF may not be readable by PGO Technical Information Management Section (TIMS) staff.

Applications must be submitted electronically by using the forms and instructions posted for this funding opportunity at www.grants.gov.

If Internet access is not available or if the forms cannot be accessed online, applicants may contact the PGO TIMS staff at 770- 488-2700 or by e-mail at pgotim@cdc.gov, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., except federal holidays. Electronic applications will be considered successful if they are available to PGO TIMS staff for processing from www.grants.gov on the deadline date.

b. Tracking Number: Applications submitted through www.grants.gov are time/date stamped electronically and assigned a tracking number. The applicant’s Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) will be sent an e-mail notice of receipt when www.grants.gov receives the application. The tracking number documents that the application has been submitted and initiates the required electronic validation process before the application is made available to CDC.

c. Validation Process: Application submission is not concluded until the validation process is completed successfully. After the application package is submitted, the applicant will receive a “submission receipt” e-mail generated by www.grants.gov. A second e-mail message to applicants will then be generated by www.grants.gov that will either validate or reject the submitted application package. This validation process may take as long as two business days. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the status of their application to ensure that submission of their package has been completed and no submission errors have occurred. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to allocate ample time for filing to guarantee that their application can be submitted and validated by the deadline published in the FOA. Non-validated applications will not be accepted after the published application deadline date.

If you do not receive a “validation” e-mail within two business days of application submission, please contact www.grants.gov. For instructions on how to track your application, refer to the e-mail message generated at the time of application submission or the Applicant User Guide, Version 1.1, page 102.

http:// www.grants.gov /documents /19/18243 /Grantsgov ApplicantUserGuide .pdf /ce754626 http://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/index.html#ar12 http://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Anti-Lobbying_Restrictions_for_CDC_Grantees_July_2012.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/grants/documents/Anti-Lobbying_Restrictions_for_CDC_Grantees_July_2012.pdf http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/GrantsgovApplicantUserGuide.pdf/ce754626-c2aa-44bc-b701-30a75bf428c8 http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/GrantsgovApplicantUserGuide.pdf/ce754626-c2aa-44bc-b701-30a75bf428c8

-c2aa-44bc- b701 -30a75bf428c8

d. Technical Difficulties: If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants should contact Customer Service at www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. The Contact Center is available by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or by e-mail at support@www.grants.gov. Application submissions sent by e-mail or fax, or on CDs or thumb drives will not be accepted. Please note that www.grants.gov is managed by

HHS.

e. Paper Submission: If technical difficulties are encountered at www.grants.gov, applicants should call the www.grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail them at support@www.grants.gov for assistance. After consulting with the Contact Center, if the technical difficulties remain unresolved and electronic submission is not possible, applicants may e-mail or call CDC GMO/GMS, before the deadline, and request permission to submit a paper application. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

An applicant’s request for permission to submit a paper application must:

Include the www.grants.gov case number assigned to the inquiry1.

Describe the difficulties that prevent electronic submission and the efforts taken with the www.grants.gov Contact Center to submit electronically; and

2.

Be postmarked at least three calendar days before the application deadline. Paper applications submitted without prior approval will not be considered. If a paper application is authorized, PGO will advise the applicant of specific instructions for submitting the application (e.g., original and two hard copies of the application by U.S. mail or express delivery service).

3.

E. Review and Selection Process

1. Review and Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed in three phases.

a. Phase I Review All applications will be reviewed initially for completeness by CDC PGO staff and will be reviewed jointly for eligibility by the CDC OPHPR and PGO. Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not advance to Phase II review. Applicants will be notified that their applications did not meet eligibility or published submission requirements.

b. Phase II Review A review panel will evaluate complete, eligible applications in accordance with the criteria below.

i. Approach

ii. Evaluation and Performance Measurement

iii. Applicant’s Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach

Work Plan Maximum Points: 45

Identification of gaps: How clearly did the work plan identify and quantify existing operational gaps and the root cause of the gaps to be addressed?

Outcomes: For each identified topic area, how well do the expected outcomes align with successfully addressing the problem or gap? What evidence is provided that any expected changes or improvements to the public health/healthcare systems or to the community, such as awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, opinion, or behavior, policies, or health improvement, will be demonstrated during the project period?

What evidence is provided that demonstrates that the activities, outputs, and outcomes can be achieved during the project period?

http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/GrantsgovApplicantUserGuide.pdf/ce754626-c2aa-44bc-b701-30a75bf428c8 http://www.grants.gov/documents/19/18243/GrantsgovApplicantUserGuide.pdf/ce754626-c2aa-44bc-b701-30a75bf428c8 http://www.Grants.gov http://www.Grants.gov mailto:support@www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@www.grants.gov

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA): Offerors should be advised that any activities involving information collection (i.e., posing similar questions or requirements via surveys, questionnaires, telephonic requests, focus groups, etc.) from 10 or more non-Federal entities/persons, including States, are subject to PRA requirements and may require CDC to coordinate an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Information Collection Request clearance prior to the start of information collection activities.

This would also include information sent to or obtained by CDC via forms, applications, reports, information systems, and any other means for requesting information from 10 or more persons; asking or requiring 10 or more entities/persons to keep or retain records; or asking or requiring 10 or more entities/persons to disclose information to a third-party or the general public.

Budget Narrative Maximum Points: 30

The extent to which the proposed budget is adequately justified and consistent with this program announcement and the applicant's proposed activities. Is the itemized budget for conducting the project and justification reasonable and consistent with the stated objectives and planned program activities?

Administrative Preparedness Maximum Points: 25

Has the awardee included estimated timelines for completion of all performance and work plan activities as well as obligation and liquidation of funds within the budget and project periods?

Not more than thirty days after the Phase II review is completed, applicants will be notified electronically if their application does not meet eligibility or published submission requirements.

c. Phase III Review

2. Announcement and Anticipated Award Dates

The anticipated announcement for this FOA is August 29, 2015.

The anticipated award date for this FOA is September 15, 2015.

F. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices Awardees will receive an electronic copy of the Notice of Award (NOA) from CDC PGO. The NOA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the awardee and CDC. The NOA will be signed by an authorized GMO and emailed to the Awardee Business Officer listed in application and the Program Director.

Any applicant awarded funds in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Federal Funding Accountability And Transparency Act Of 2006 (FFATA) requirements.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of these results by e-mail with delivery receipt or by U.S.

mail.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Awardees must comply with the administrative and public policy requirements outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 74 or Part 92 and the HHS Grants Policy Statement, as appropriate.

Brief descriptions of relevant provisions are available at http://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/index.html

The HHS Grants Policy Statement is available at http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf.

http://www.cdc.gov/grants/additionalrequirements/index.html http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf

The HHS Grants Policy Statement is available at http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/aboutog/hhsgps107.pdf.

*Note that 2 CFR 200 will supersede the administrative requirements (A-110 & A-102), cost principles (A-21, A-87 & A-122) and audit requirements (A-50, A-89 & A-133).

For more information on the C.F.R. visit http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse.

3. Reporting Reporting provides continuous program monitoring and identifies successes and challenges that awardees encounter throughout the project period. Also, reporting is a requirement for awardees who want to apply for yearly continuation of funding. Reporting helps CDC and awardees because it:

Helps target support to awardees;

Provides CDC with periodic data to monitor awardee progress toward meeting the FOA outcomes and overall performance;

Allows CDC to track performance measures and evaluation findings for continuous quality and program improvement throughout the project period and to determine applicability of evidence-based approaches to different populations,…